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Steppin' out and dining out for FMAAA
Brennan Umthun/Staff Writer
Downtown Fort Madison was abuzz Saturday night at Eighth Street and Avenue G as the Fort Madison Area Artists Association unveiled its newest creation: “Steppin' Out for the Arts”.
Stop number one: Meier's Den.
It was wine and laughter mixed with the sound of high heels tapping on hardwood in the elegant lair.
About 100 local friends of FMAAA kicked off the festive evening by testing their palate with some of the many wines at Meier's Den. The merlot and the pino grigio seemed to be the most selected tastes among the socialites.
The culture was as thick as the scent of the Caprese Panzanella (hors d'oeuvres served by The Wild Whisk) that seemingly disappeared as soon as the plate was placed on the table. Not a problem, as soon thereafter a stunning entree of Crab Cake on Spring Greens topped with Citrus and Roasted Pepper Sauces landed in its place.
In between dinner and dessert, a full-on fashion show broke out. Models showcased garments from Melissa's, Little Black Dress, Quarry Creek, Original Cyn's, and Studio.
“People think we're only elk and buffalo,” said Dr. Kathy Anderson of Quarry Creek. “But as you see here, we do a lot with leather goods and jewelry.”
Quarry Creek offers handcrafted handbags that are made from buffalo leather.
“We've expanded into offering gifts, clothing, gun safes and many other things,” she said.
Quarry Creek also offers jewelry boxes made from incolay stone, which is a composition of quartz, Carnelian, Onyx and other materials.
During dessert, the baby models offered a glimpse into their world by showcasing designs from Baby So Smart.
Following the fashion show in Meier's Den, a mini-auction was held. Wine baskets, designer handbags and Linda Lou's freshwater pearls were donated, as well as a breathtaking peridot pendant by DeNicole Perfect Designs which was donated by Dana Bushong Jewelers.
“We're very excited to have the gallery portion of this event in our place,” said Skip Young, owner of Dana Bushong's. “We love being a part of this cultural community.”
Dana Bushong's - which in itself is always an art gallery - offered art of a different kind on Saturday evening.
Local artist and painter Paula Howard had a few of her painted works on hand for the wandering eyes.
Bushong's also housed woven ware and glass beads from Eric Ludy, as well as an assortment of local pieces from the depot gallery.
Nauvoo glass blower James Topic offered a glimpse into the future of his work as well.
“I brought a new piece (of glasswork),” said Topic. “It's a prototype; I wanted to give people an idea of where I will be going with some of my new stuff.”
Topic said that he will begin blowing glass again in about 10 days.
“60 degree weather is perfect for blowing glass,” he said. “I've been preparing to do the spontaneous.”
The locals capped the evening with a special social hour treat at The Wild Whisk, a bistro that is typically only open during the daytime hours.
If you missed out, bummer ... but don't worry yourself to death. The FMAAA art auction will be back.
“We are still planning on every other year for the auction,” said Linda Marshall. “We were looking for a change of pace this year, but we still have a couple more fundraisers coming soon.”
Downtown Fort Madison was abuzz Saturday night at Eighth Street and Avenue G as the Fort Madison Area Artists Association unveiled its newest creation: “Steppin' Out for the Arts”.
Stop number one: Meier's Den.
It was wine and laughter mixed with the sound of high heels tapping on hardwood in the elegant lair.
About 100 local friends of FMAAA kicked off the festive evening by testing their palate with some of the many wines at Meier's Den. The merlot and the pino grigio seemed to be the most selected tastes among the socialites.
The culture was as thick as the scent of the Caprese Panzanella (hors d'oeuvres served by The Wild Whisk) that seemingly disappeared as soon as the plate was placed on the table. Not a problem, as soon thereafter a stunning entree of Crab Cake on Spring Greens topped with Citrus and Roasted Pepper Sauces landed in its place.
In between dinner and dessert, a full-on fashion show broke out. Models showcased garments from Melissa's, Little Black Dress, Quarry Creek, Original Cyn's, and Studio.
“People think we're only elk and buffalo,” said Dr. Kathy Anderson of Quarry Creek. “But as you see here, we do a lot with leather goods and jewelry.”
Quarry Creek offers handcrafted handbags that are made from buffalo leather.
“We've expanded into offering gifts, clothing, gun safes and many other things,” she said.
Quarry Creek also offers jewelry boxes made from incolay stone, which is a composition of quartz, Carnelian, Onyx and other materials.
During dessert, the baby models offered a glimpse into their world by showcasing designs from Baby So Smart.
Following the fashion show in Meier's Den, a mini-auction was held. Wine baskets, designer handbags and Linda Lou's freshwater pearls were donated, as well as a breathtaking peridot pendant by DeNicole Perfect Designs which was donated by Dana Bushong Jewelers.
“We're very excited to have the gallery portion of this event in our place,” said Skip Young, owner of Dana Bushong's. “We love being a part of this cultural community.”
Dana Bushong's - which in itself is always an art gallery - offered art of a different kind on Saturday evening.
Local artist and painter Paula Howard had a few of her painted works on hand for the wandering eyes.
Bushong's also housed woven ware and glass beads from Eric Ludy, as well as an assortment of local pieces from the depot gallery.
Nauvoo glass blower James Topic offered a glimpse into the future of his work as well.
“I brought a new piece (of glasswork),” said Topic. “It's a prototype; I wanted to give people an idea of where I will be going with some of my new stuff.”
Topic said that he will begin blowing glass again in about 10 days.
“60 degree weather is perfect for blowing glass,” he said. “I've been preparing to do the spontaneous.”
The locals capped the evening with a special social hour treat at The Wild Whisk, a bistro that is typically only open during the daytime hours.
If you missed out, bummer ... but don't worry yourself to death. The FMAAA art auction will be back.
“We are still planning on every other year for the auction,” said Linda Marshall. “We were looking for a change of pace this year, but we still have a couple more fundraisers coming soon.”
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Christie Holtkamp, Wild Whisk Bistro wrote on Apr 8, 2008 2:51 PM: